This course applies the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world including but not limited to cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior. This course will emphasize the development of multiple aspects of science proficiency for all students: knowing, using, and interpreting scientific explanations of the natural world; generating and evaluating scientific evidence and explanations; understanding the nature and development of scientific knowledge; and participating productively in the practices and discourses of science. Specifically, this course includes multiple investigations of the core concepts in biology that engage students in the practices of scientific inquiry. Biological systems will be analyzed through experimentation, dissection, observation, and modeling.